Two people were arrested in the early hours of this morning
after they were caught red-handed loading abalone worth approximately R100 000.
During this joint operation between the Port Elizabeth
Flying Squad and a private anti-poaching unit, the abalone and diving equipment
were confiscated.
According to police spokesperson, Capt. Sandra Janse van
Rensburg, it is alleged that Flying Squad members and the anti-poaching unit
held way-lay duties in the Sardinia Bay area last night when they noticed
suspicious activities in the coastal area.
“At approximately 00:50 this morning, April 1, 2021, two
suspects were found busy loading abalone.
After a thorough search of the area, diving equipment was also seized,”
Janse van Rensburg said.
“A total of 151 units of abalone were seized. The total
estimated value of the abalone and the diving equipment is R100 000,” she
confirmed.
Both suspects, aged 23 and 32 years respectively, were
arrested on charges of the Contravention of Regulation 36(1) of Marine Living
Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998) and will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates
Court soon.
